Reason to Love a Layover: 10 of the Best Airline Lounges and Spas

These first and business class lounges go above and beyond the usual free food, newspapers, and Wi-Fi with in-airport spas so grand, you may actually look forward to your layover.

Qantas First Lounge: Spa

Sydney Kingsford-Smith international Airport (SYD) and Melbourne–Tullamarine International Airport (MEL)

First class travelers on Qantas's international flights are completely spoiled by the airline's top lounges, which are outfitted by celebrated Australian industrial designer Marc Newson and stocked with Aurora products. The lounge even serves cooked-to-order cuisine (Wagyu beef! veal carpaccio!) by Sydney's iconic Neil Perry restaurant, Rockpool. Passengers traveling in first class are telephoned the day before they travel so that they can book a spa session (massages, facials, or hand and foot treatments), but everyone else is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cathay Pacific "The Wing" First Class Lounge: Cabanas

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Holding a first class ticket on Cathay Pacific at its Hong Kong hub means access to the exclusive portion of "The Wing" lounge. Besides a champagne bar and zones for relaxation, work, and dining, fliers enjoy 12 shower suites and five cabanas. The latter are utterly private, each with a full-size bathtub, rain shower, Jurlique toiletries, daybed, fluffy white robe and slippers, desk, wardrobe, and vanity.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: Cowshed Spa and Wet Room

London–Heathrow International Airport (LHR)

Virgin Atlantic is well known for its high-style Clubhouse lounges around the world, but only a few (London Heathrow and Gatwick; New York-JFK) include a Cowshed-branded spa with complimentary treatments.

British Airways Lounges: Elemis Spa

London–Heathrow International Airport (LHR) and New York–JFK International Airport (JFK)

British Airways tapped UK luxury skincare company Elemis for its first and business class lounge spas. Each Elemis lounge spa offers complimentary 15-minute treatments, which include facials like the "jet lag eye reviver," which purports to use "advanced infusion technology and anti-aging superactives to help soothe tired eyes and smooth away fine lines." Otherwise opt for a body treatment, like the "upper body heat wave," which uses heat therapy to relieve stiff, aching muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders in preparation for the flight ahead.

Thai Airways: Royal Orchid Spa

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Thai Airways's spa in Bangkok's main international airport offers complimentary 60-minute treatments to Royal First passengers, including the signature "Touch of Silk" full-body oil massage. Royal Silk passengers can also opt for a 30-minute foot massage, which promises to "stimulate your vital organs."

Amenities—aside from spa suites complete with massage tables, changing rooms, and soaking tubs—include sauna and steam rooms. Travelers should plan to arrive early, though, since the spa does not accept advance reservations.

Etihad Airways Premium Lounges: Six Senses Spa and Shave

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

The perks of Etihad's first and business class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport extend beyond the large, comfy spaces for working, dining, and relaxing: There's a Six Senses Spa with full treatments, a nail salon, and even a trained barber offering complimentary wet shaves. The shave service is also available in the Arrivals lounge, complete with steam-pressing for shirts and shoe shines.

Lufthansa First Class Terminal: Restroom Suites

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Flying first class on Lufthansa out of Frankfurt Airport has the major perk of complimentary entry to Lufthansa's own premium terminal, which comes complete with private immigration and customs clearance, and a luxury car transfer across the tarmac to your plane. The terminal also offers restroom suites with a daybed, shower, Etro toiletries, and soaking tub (complete with rubber duckies that—get this—change with the seasons). You're free to take a rubber duckie home as a souvenir.

Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge: Private relaxation rooms

İstanbul–Atatürk Airport (IST)

A business class ticket on Turkish Airlines or a Star Alliance Gold card provides access to the expansive CIP lounge at the airline's hub airport. There are two levels of rooms for lounging, dining, and entertainment (billiards!), plus travelers can catch a nap in private relaxation rooms and or take a shower with a special toiletry kit on hand.

Emirates Premium Lounges: Timeless Spa

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport features three Emirates lounges with spas: one each in the first class, business class, and airport hotel lounges. First class fliers receive complimentary treatments (half-back massage, mini-manicure, express reflexology, or hairstyling) while business class travelers may pay a small fee for the privilege and a variety of additional treatments, such as a haircut and style with products from Kérastase Paris.